Secretary Kristi Noem lambasted Rep. Dan Goldman for advocating for the return of a deported MS-13 gang member while neglecting his constituents’ interests, marking a fiery exchange during a House Homeland Security Committee hearing.
At a Glance
- DHS Secretary Kristi Noem confronted Rep. Dan Goldman over his advocacy for Kilmar Abrego Garcia, a deported illegal alien with suspected MS-13 ties
- Noem told Goldman it must be “extremely discouraging” for his constituents to see him “fight for a terrorist” instead of them
- Rep. Marjorie Taylor Greene reinforced Noem’s position by citing multiple law enforcement confirmations of Abrego Garcia’s MS-13 affiliation
- The heated exchange occurred during testimony on DHS budget priorities and deportation policies
- Noem defended the Trump administration’s aggressive deportation policies, noting over 120 individuals on terrorist watch lists have been removed
Democrat Congressman Pushes for Return of Alleged MS-13 Member
The clash between Homeland Security Secretary Kristi Noem and Representative Dan Goldman erupted during what should have been a routine House Homeland Security Committee hearing on the department’s budget. Instead, it quickly devolved into a heated confrontation over the deportation of Kilmar Abrego Garcia, an illegal alien allegedly connected to the notorious MS-13 gang. Goldman pressed Noem on what steps she had taken to comply with a Supreme Court order to return Abrego Garcia to the United States, seemingly more concerned with the deportee’s rights than public safety.
Goldman’s apparent defense of the alleged gang member prompted a swift and pointed response from Secretary Noem, who questioned the congressman’s priorities. The exchange highlighted the stark contrast between the Biden-Harris administration’s lax border policies and the Trump administration’s renewed focus on removing dangerous criminal aliens. This confrontation represents yet another example of Democratic lawmakers appearing to prioritize the interests of non-citizens over the safety and well-being of American communities ravaged by gang violence and illegal immigration.
Noem Fires Back at Goldman’s Misplaced Priorities
Visibly frustrated by Goldman’s line of questioning, Secretary Noem delivered a stinging rebuke that cut to the heart of the matter. Rather than focusing on protecting American citizens, the New York congressman seemed fixated on securing the return of an individual with documented ties to one of the world’s most violent transnational criminal organizations. Noem refused to back down from her characterization of Abrego Garcia’s threat level, despite Goldman’s attempts to minimize the severity of the allegations against him.
“It’s got to be extremely discouraging to be one of your constituents. To see you fight for a terrorist like this and not fight for them is extremely alarming to me, and I’m sure it is to them as well.” – Noem
The exchange underscored the fundamental difference in how conservatives and progressives approach immigration enforcement. While Noem emphasized the importance of removing dangerous criminals to protect American communities, Goldman’s focus on procedural concerns for a suspected gang member reflected the left’s tendency to elevate the rights of illegal immigrants above the safety of American citizens. This disconnect has been a persistent feature of the immigration debate throughout the Biden-Harris years.
Multiple Confirmations of MS-13 Ties
Representative Marjorie Taylor Greene entered the fray to defend Noem and further dismantle Goldman’s position. Greene methodically listed the multiple law enforcement entities that had independently confirmed Abrego Garcia’s MS-13 affiliation, leaving little room for doubt about the accuracy of the assessment. Her intervention highlighted the extensive vetting process that had determined Abrego Garcia posed a significant threat to public safety, making Goldman’s advocacy all the more bewildering to those concerned with national security.
“A Maryland County Police Gang Unit agreed that he is MS-13, a reliable confidential informant agreed that he is MS-13, ICE officers agreed that he is MS-13, an immigration judge agreed that he is MS-13, an appellate board agreed that Kilmar Abrego Garcia, your Maryland man, is MS-13.” – Greene
Trump Administration’s Aggressive Enforcement Strategy
The confrontation takes place against the backdrop of the Trump administration’s renewed commitment to aggressive immigration enforcement. Since returning to office, President Trump has overseen the deportation of over 120 individuals on terrorist watch lists and more than 800 members of the Tren de Aragua gang. Secretary Noem has been a staunch defender of these policies, recently visiting El Salvador’s Terrorist Confinement Center (CECOT) to coordinate with President Nayib Bukele on accepting more high-profile criminal deportees from the United States.
While the administration faces legal challenges to its use of the 1798 Alien Enemies Act for expedited deportations, with a temporary restraining order currently in place, Noem remains resolute in her defense of the department’s actions. She has repeatedly countered claims that immigrants are being deported without due process, emphasizing the thorough vetting process employed to ensure that enforcement actions target legitimate security threats. For conservatives frustrated by years of border chaos, this return to law and order is a welcome development.
